Communications Officer

University Of Central Oklahoma; Edmond (OK); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

University of Central Oklahoma is seeking a Communications Officer on the Main Campus in Edmond, OK. The role covers emergency and non-emergency call handling, dispatch duties, and access control for campus facilities, with on-site shift rotations.

Strong English skills, OLETS cert, and experience with public safety communications are required. This is a full-time, hourly position with a 40-hour work week across rotating shifts, including day, evening, and overnight blocks.

Qualifications

• Requires general education or vocational training.
• 3+ years relevant experience or equivalent.
• OLETS certification and clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Receive and dispatch calls for emergency and non-emergency services.
• Operate police radio and recording equipment accurately.
• Maintain key records and support campus safety operations.

Skills

Public safety communication

English language proficiency

OLETS certification

Police radio operations

Record keeping

Microsoft Word

Education

General education or vocational training

Thirty college credits

Tools

Weather monitoring software

Rave Guardian/Smart 911

Police radio equipment

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Main Campus - Edmond, OK, Position Type: Staff, Salary Range: $15.38 - $15.38Hourly, Job Category: OTRS Non-classified, Position Classification:

Regular, full-time, hourly, non-exempt, and benefit-eligible staff position. For more information, visit Why Work at UCO.

The hourly rate is $15.38 which translates to $31,990.40 per year.

General Schedule

40 hours per week. This is a shift position. Communications Officers work (5) 8-hour shifts per week. Incumbent will be assigned to one of three shifts. Shifts are 7:00am to 3:00pm, 3:00pm to 11:00pm, and 11:00pm to 7:00am.

Position Overview

Receive incoming telephone or alarm system calls regarding emergency and non-emergency police and fire service, emergency ambulance service, receive and dispatch incoming calls for the SafeWalk program, requests for services such as motorists assists, motorist unlocks, faculty and staff office unlocks, information and after hours calls for all departments within the campus. Question callers to determine their locations, and the nature of their problems to determine type of response needed. Dispatch units in accordance with established procedures. Record details of calls, dispatches, and messages. Issue and monitor access to on-campus sidewalk system for vendors, visitors, and UCO faculty/staff needing access to the interior of campus. Enter, update, and retrieve information from telecommunications networks and computerized data systems regarding such things as wanted persons, stolen property, vehicle registration, and stolen vehicles. Use the Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System to respond to messages from other law enforcement agencies (both state and national) regarding stolen items, missing persons, and active warrants. Maintain files of information relating to emergency calls such as personnel rosters, and emergency call-out and phone directories.

Department Specific Essential Job Functions

This position is deemed mission essential. In case of inclement weather or other emergency situations, the incumbent is expected to report to work as directed. Performs effectively and efficiently with minimal, and at certain times, no supervision. Respond to walk-in visitors seeking directions, inquiring about parking violation citations, and seeking general University information. Receipts and maintain highly accurate Master Records of keys issued to University employees. Responsible for check-in of all keys as employees terminate their employment. Responsible for proper assignment of keys and the prompt, efficient, and highly accurate processing of official New Key Request forms. Receives emergency and non-emergency telephone calls obtaining all essential information, ascertaining nature of business and directing to appropriate authority for dispositions. Shall have minimal errors when dealing with request for emergency public safety services. Shall have minimal errors in the monitoring and reporting of Simplex fire alarm and panic alarms for campus E&G and Auxiliary buildings, and 22nd Century Intrusion alarm system, making note of all system malfunctions or inappropriate activation or inactivation. Contacting the University Fire Marshal and Risk Management in case of emergencies. Will use the University's fire panel system to send prerecorded messages and/or voice instructions to other buildings on the campus in a calm and professional manner. Shall have access to the University's Central Alert system to send emergency messages to the University community. Shall monitor the University's video surveillance camera system and help police staff in searching the system for footage of possible interest. Shall monitor weather, in conjunction with Director of Emergency Management and other police staff Emergency Management during times of severe weather and communicate pertinent information. Shall effectively and efficiently operate a police radio in establishing and maintaining radio contact with mobile public safety units. Shall frequently recommend to responding public safety providers highly accurate information regarding nature of emergency, providing best possible route to follow in arriving at scene of emergency. Shall at all times maintain excellent and cooperative business relationship with all area's public safety providers. Shall effectively and efficiently; communicate by police radio and telephone with area police and fire units; monitor all radio communications on three different frequencies and a facilities management phone/radio; coordinate the delivery of emergency services; and monitor emergency telephone and radio traffic from various local response agencies and relaying appropriate information to UCO police officers. Shall operate, monitor, and maintain digital recording equipment used to record police radio broadcasts and telephone conversations. Shall operate university computer mainframe terminal to retrieve and/or document information related to university clients, and the university Rave Guardian/Smart 911 module. Frequently uses Personal Computer equipment and Oklahoma Law Enforcement Telecommunications System (OLETS) equipment. Performs other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience Required

Requires general education or vocational training and 3+ years relevant experience in chosen field or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Qualifications/Experience Preferred

• Shall not have been convicted of a serious misdemeanor crime.
• Shall not have been convicted of a felony crime.
• Shall possess a valid Oklahoma Driver License.
• Must effectively speak the English language.
• OLETS certification.
• Thirty (30) college credits.

Knowledge/Skills/Abilities

Independently makes sound and effective decisions leading to correct, valid, and appropriate courses of action. Within six months, must successfully complete a State of Oklahoma's Telecommunications Certification course involving initial intermediate level training, recertify every two years by computer, must be fingerprinted within 30 days of employment and every 5 years thereafter. Attend weather monitoring software training within one year of employment. Expresses ideas clearly and concisely, both orally and in writing. Speaks calmly while under stress. Keeps highly accurate records and files. Operates at a high level of efficiency public safety communication devices, i.e., police radio, recording, and telecommunications equipment (teletype). Deals efficiently with highly stressful conditions during emergencies, to include life threatening situations. Demonstrates good human relations skills which permit the establishment and maintenance of effective working relationships with general public, other individuals, groups, and public agencies. Follows complex spoken and/or written instructions. Comply with complex password requirements and maintain password confidentiality. Demonstrates sound judgment in complex situations. Moderately proficient use of Microsoft Word. Occasionally uses a laptop, calculator, copy and fax machine.

Physical Demands

Reasonable accommodations (in accordance with ADA requirements) may be made, upon request, to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.